US President Donald Trump on Wednesday warned Iran that “time is running out” to reach an agreement on its nuclear programme, raising the possibility of further military action after Tehran rejected negotiations.
In a post on social media, Trump urged Iran to return to talks and agree to a deal that would prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons. He referenced a previous US military operation against Iran and warned that any future action would be “far worse” if Tehran continued to refuse negotiations.
The remarks came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, following the deployment of a US naval strike force to the Middle East. US Central Command confirmed earlier this week that an aircraft carrier-led force had taken up position in regional waters, though it did not disclose its exact location.
Regional reactions and calls for diplomacy
Turkey urged the United States to pursue dialogue with Iran, warning against renewed conflict. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Ankara opposed military action and supported restarting negotiations on the nuclear issue.
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Speaking to Al Jazeera, Fidan said Iran was prepared to resume talks on its nuclear programme and argued that resolving the issue through diplomacy would reduce broader regional tensions. He advised Washington to address disputes with Iran step by step, beginning with the nuclear file.
Turkey, a NATO member that shares a long border with Iran, has repeatedly voiced opposition to military operations against Tehran. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last week said any move that could plunge the region into instability should be avoided and expressed hope that diplomacy would prevail.
Ongoing tensions
The latest exchange follows weeks of unrest inside Iran and a widening diplomatic standoff between Tehran and Western capitals. While Washington has not ruled out further action, it has also sent mixed signals regarding the prospects for renewed negotiations.
Fidan said he had previously urged Iranian officials to build trust in the region and take steps that could pave the way for an agreement with the United States, stressing that isolating issues rather than bundling them together could make negotiations more viable.
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